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A Brandyball coloured sweet

From hectic city's maddening throng, a getaway, to lone mountain peak, so far away, like shipwreck survivor, a castaway, I made stealth retreat
The rocky terrain, upwards a long transcend, atop terra firma the ascend, to high frontier and satisfyingly, journey’s end, at last complete
Astonishment! An elderly man stood there, of my persona seemed aware, as down unbroken remained his stare, upon jungle, of steel and reinforced concrete
From outermost, protruding ledge, beckoning with stick of blackthorn hedge, alongside him to gaze o’er the edge, was his clear entreat.
At first unease my feeling, then curiosity came stealing, his countenance, grandiose and genteeling, so aside him I stood on precipice, to view the hordes effete
Then in steady voice unfazing,he spoke of a story amazing, below describing a scenic setting so emblazing, as we stood there gazing, though my presume, declining sight on his mind, wrought a wicked cheat?

"Regard below bereft of guilt, the fields around like patchwork quilt, as erstwhile men swathe crop, firm grip on sickle's hilt", alas below, no sign to me of barley, corn or yellowed wheat!
"Take in the tranquil village and yon sunny day, the children all outside, contented in their play, mothers busy, within kitchen parlours, separating curds from whey, my picture not yet replete
Behold the centre green and the marvellous sight, of men in cotton shirts and flannels of linen white, they play the hallowed game, the watching crowd, ensconced in sheer delight
And there's my dear old skipper waving up at me, wondering when his strike bowler, none other than O.W.B. will in kindred spirit most esprit, join again that team so elite"?
Then turned and pointing low, stating, "it's time to go", so together, the long decent below, once again to reach level plateau, we bid farewell and in my palm he did bestow, a brandyball coloured treat
I don't know why I cannot say, to the cricket club I made my way, through decorated gallery I did foray, there between silver accolades on display, somewhat discreet
A faded photo and to immense surprise, therein a smiling face in much younger guise, middle, rear centre row, of eleven he did comprise, his face gave me to recognise, the inscription beneath, in letters neat
The winning team, McMullan Memorial Cup 1930 the year, man of the match, initials, O.W.B. 6 for 22, bold and clear, this brought to my eye, reflective tear, as still within my pocket, a brandyball coloured sweet !

by Caleb Kirkpatrick Boomer

Kyle/WARINGSTOWN

(NOT OUR BELOVED SKIPPER I AM RELIABLY INFORMED BUT A DIFFERENT KYLE)

Appreciate your support and understanding that this is a work in progress - hope more appreciate this.

It I can hopefully shed more light on matters youth.

UNDER 15 LEAGUE - 12 teams opted for Div 1 (two 6s with 5 league matches, with top 2 teams in each going into semi-finals)
11 teams opted for division 2 and along with 3 'B' sides make a total of 14 with 7 team leagues, semi finals and final.

UNDER 13 LEAGUE - only 8 teams opted for Division 1. So 7 league matches with the top 2 going into a final.
17 teams opted for division 2 so along with 4 'B' teams we had 21 sides. Unfortunately this is far from ideal - the under 15 split is much easier! 21 teams is too big for 2 leagues. 3 leagues makes qualification for later stages extremely complicated. We have opted for 4 regionalised sections of 5,5,5 and 6. To provide further cricket we have also introduced quarter finals as well as semis and finals. The stronger teams will get the opportunity of more cricket. I hope next term we will have a more even split,

UNDER 11S - 6 teams opted for division 1, so 5 league matches plus semi finals and final.
13 teams opted for division 2, so two regionalised leagues (6 and 7) with semi finals and final.
10 teams opted for division 3, so 2 fives with semi finals and final.

In addition we have excluded the division 1 sides from the initial rounds of each of the cups, theoretically at least increasing the chances of division 2 or 3 sides having a cup run.

The balance will change every year as the NCU will try very hard to accommodate the wishes of the clubs as regards the placement of teams.It is a very flexible system which will result in different teams in different leagues and different numbers of teams in leagues each season

Neale/Simon.

I can't speak for all at Donaghcloney because I know there was a lot of opinion on last year's structure but personally I thought there was more positives than negatives, I do however agree that change was needed and it was an improvement on having things just regionalised,

Having various divisions does give an added bonus and incentive to winning, I enjoyed it more than with the regions but I wasn't entirely comfortable with the 4 top tiers and then just the 2 bottom, I'd have similar concerns about the U13s this year with only 1 top league, haven't seen the 15s plans yet though. Perhaps there could be a case for regionalising first and then divisions? What would be section A+B amalgamated and then put into divisions? Similar with C+D?

Having just had another look I see Division 2 teams only get 5 games and there's no home and away. Surely we should be looking to get the 13s as many games as possible, by 15s plenty of the guys are playing Saturday cricket too.

So overall my opinion is that the divisions were an improvement on purely regions, but are still not perfect, it's a new idea and will take a few years to work properly, but a step in the right direction.

Re Sky Sports

Just wanted to highlight an offer presently being promoted by Sky TV in England. This allows cricket clubs "registered with the ECB" to enjoy significant savings on Sky commercial packages. Under the scheme a basic Sky sports package costs £133 per month (excluding vat). A full sports package costs £211 per month (excluding vat). I understand that this significantly below the usual rate for a bar.

The web link to the relevant flyer is:-

http://static.ecb.co.uk/files/ecb-clubs-package-price-flyer-march-12-11982.pdf

I have been advised by Sky that the offer does not extend to Northern Ireland or Scotland (in spite of the fact that the agreement to be signed includes UK in the title).

I was advised by Sky that if the relevant cricket union contacts them they may agree to extend the offer beyond Clubs registered with the ECB.

Not sure how many clubs have sky presently but I assume that an approach from the Union may be worthwhile. We had Sky at Woodvale a few years back but the cost was hard to justify. This would be more attractive.

would anyone be interested in cricket kit for one Bag,Bat,gloves pads ect
please mail or phone 07706417727
will deliver in greater belfast area if required

RE: SIMON HUGHES - YOUTH CRICKET

Simon the 2 division structure has been introduced following the under 15 two divisions last year which was generally deemed to be a success. It has nothing to do with 'not fulfilling fixtures' but rather with teams of similar strength regularly playing each other in an attempt to raise standards and encourage participation. The reasons were canvassed last year in a well-attended roadshow at Derriaghy and met with unanimous approval from the large number present. It was indicated that if successful at under 15 level it would be rolled out for the rest of the age groups at under 13 and under 11 level.
Your concerns about fairness have been considered and you are quite correct about the 2 year cycle. It was with that in mind that the clubs were contacted an specifically asked which league section they wanted to take part in. Next season will be the same. So for instance if Laurelvale have a good young group this season, they would hopefully opt to play in the top section next year. The league positions have NOT been decided by the NCU. We do however reserve the right to question the choice of league if same is blatantly inappropriate.
The clubs having identified the section they wish to take part in, we have then tried to regionalise them as much as possible, by no means an easy task.
I would also point out that clubs in division 2 have their own knock-out stages and final. I believe if you were to ask Donaghcloney about their win last year they would be very positive about the system. In addition, all clubs regardless of division enter the relevant cup competition.
We believe that this will encourage more competitive cricket at all levels, and will encourage more clubs entering teams (and indeed playing fixtures) without fear of being "too far put of their depth".
We in fact also gave a third league option but particularly at 13 and 15 level this was not taken up in sufficient numbers to make viable.

Youth coaches from each club were consulted about the changes and on which league they wanted their teams to be entered into. The changes were made to provide more competitive cricket and eliminate as far as possible mismatches which discourage young players. A team with a good under 11 team which proves itself in the lower league could propose that in subsequent years this group is elevated to the top league.

Does anyone else think that the idea of Div 1 & 2 junior cricket is a bit harsh. Surely when teams have a 2 yr turn around it can sometimes just depend on the 'crop' of players coming through. Especially for teams with smaller catchment areas.

I was told it was because teams weren't for filling fixtures but it doesn't matter what Div your in for that.

I just think the old area system was better and 9 out of 10 the best team will win the trophy.

So sorry to hear the sad news of the death of Billy McCloy. I was fortunate to have played with Billy at North Down. A true gentleman and a great sport who will always be remembered by us who played with him. Condolences to the family circle and his many friends.

Sad news indeed Davy.
Billy was a lovely man and a great character who made a huge contribution to Lisburn down the years. He was part of the McCloy dynasty dating back to the 1940s and of course he starred in many epic victories for the great Lisburn teams of the Fifties and the Sixties. We had the pleasure of Billy's company at North Down for a few seasons and it was an honour to play alongside him in the twilight of his career. Off the field he was jovial and engaging and it was always great to run into him and take a trip down memory lane. Sadly, those days are now gone and we are all the poorer for it.
Rest in Peace dear friend.

Very sorry to hear today of the death of Billy McCloy. A true gentleman, a great cricket supporter and a Lisburn CC legend. Sympathies to his wife and family circle.

what about a transfer fee for players moving? the brains and acumen in NCU cricket (at all levels) should be able to come up with something. This would mean some sort of recompense to the club for its investment in developing the player concerned.On the question of "feeder" clubs I have had some experience in rugby where young promising players move to a senior club to pursue their careers with the message that they are always welcome back if things don't work out. However due to the hiatus that senior rugby is now in, the movement is the other way. On a separate issue, Clarence has described our clubs as "businesses". Really have to query the business ethos of clubs spending £1000s to players for the paltry prize money of winning a trophy. Or is at more about boosting egos?

Lackofmoneybags
Posters are not "imbeciles" because they have a different opinion. The value of the Forum is that it creates healthy debate and airs issues on a public domain. Wylie, Ivan and myself are prepared to do this openly and honestly and not hide behind a pseudonym. Why is it so difficult for you to do the same? It is easy to throw personal insults from behind a mask but it removes your your credibility and your ability to make further postings. There is no place for personal insults on our website. Respect!

Is there any point in anyone playing senior cricket unless they aspire to play at the highest level? Why would anyone decline promotion it goes against the grain of competitive sport.

I have no issue with people moving clubs if they go to better themselves and play at a higher standard. With my generation for a lot of people I don't think loyalty comes into their mindset. But clubs at all levels are also drawing players from a lot wider scope than they would have done in the past.

An eight team Premier League was always going to bring the old them and us attitude to the surface. It's just sad that some people at some clubs forget where they started off and others at other clubs don't want their cosy elite group disrupted.

re wylie and lack of
Cannot agree more with u guys...what is the point of being "a team" and wanting to play at the highest level. Spending time and money nurturing youngsters only to find that when your club looks like advancing up the leagues, the money splashing clubs pilfer them away.
Ultimately there is no point in trying to push your club forward if your talent is being taken elsewhere.